“Don’t talk dirty.”

She laughed, but shook her head. “Really, Chet. Not now.”

“Then let me take you home afterward.”

“I’m staying here tonight.”

There were several things he wanted to say, but he checked himself. “Chet, please don’t rush me. It’s been a long time.” It sure as hell has.

They went back into the party and separated. Kinsman drifted through the crowd, making meaningless chatter with strangers and old friends alike, drink in one hand, occasionally nibbling on a canape about the size and consistency of spacecraft food. But his mind was replaying, over and over again, the last time he had seen Diane.

Five years ago.

Soaring across the California countryside, riding the updrafts along the hillsides and playing hide-and-seek with the friendly chaste-whitecumuli,the only sound the rush of air across the glass bubble an inch over your head, your guts held tight as you sweep and bank and then soar up, up past the clouds and then you bank way over so you ’re hanging by the shoulder harness and looking straight down into the green citrus groves below. Diane sitting in the front seat, so all you can see of her is the back of her plastic safety helmet. But you can hear her gasp.

“Like it?”

“It’s wild . . . gorgeous!”

And then back on the ground. Back in reality.

“Chet, I’ve got to go to this meeting. Can’t you come along withme?”

“No. Got to report for duty. ”

Just like that. An hour of sharing his world, and then gone. The last he had seen of her. Until tonight.

The crowd had thinned out considerably. People were leaving. McGrath was at the hallway door, making the customary noises of farewell. Kinsman spotted Diane sitting alone on the sofa, tucked against a corner of it, as if for protection.

He went over and sat down beside her. “I’ve got news for you.”

“Oh? What?”

“An answer to your question. About what turns me on. I’ve been thinking about it all through the party and I’ve formed a definite opinion.” She turned to face him, leaning an arm on the sofa’s back. “So what is it?”

“You do. You turn me on.”

She didn’t look surprised. “Do I?”

Nodding. “Yep. After five years, you still do.”

Diane said, “Chet, haven’t you learned anything? We’re in two entirely different worlds. You want to go adventuring.”

“And you want to join demonstrations and sing to the kids about how lousy the world is.”

“I’m trying to make the world better!” Her face looked so damned intent.

“And I’m trying to start a new world.”

She shook her head. “We never did see eye to eye on anything.”

“Except in bed.”

That stopped her, but only for a moment. “That’s not enough. Not for me. It wasn’t then and it isn’t now.”

He didn’t answer.

“Chet. . . why’d they ground you? What’s it all about?”

A hot spark of electricity flashed through his gut. Careful! “I told you. it’s a long story. I’m a valuable public relations tool for Colonel Murdock. You know, a veteran of lunar exploration. Heroic rescuer of an injured teammate. All that crap. So my address is the Pentagon. Level three, ring D, corridor F, room—”

“Whether you like it or not.”

“Yes.”

“Why don’t you quit?”

“And do what? To dig I am not able, to beg I am too proud.”

Diane looked at him quizzically. They had both run out of stock answers.

“So there it is,” Kinsman said, getting up from the sofa. “Right where we left it five years ago.”

Mary-Ellen came over to them. “Don’t leave, Chet. We’re getting rid of the last of the guests, then we’re going to have a little supper. Stay around. Neal wants to talk with you”

“Okay. Fine.” That’s what I’m here for.

“Can I fix you another drink?” Mary-Ellen asked.

“Let me fix you one.”

“No, no more for me, thanks.”

He looked down at Diane. “Still hooked on tigers?”

She smiled. “I haven’t had one in years . . . .Yes, I’d like a tiger.”

By the time he came back from the bar with the two smoke-yellow drinks in his hands, the big living room was empty of guests. Diane and Mary-Ellen were sitting on the sofa together. Only when they were this close could you see that they really were sisters. Kinsman heard McGrath out in the hallway, laughingly bidding someone good night.

“Like a family reunion,” Kinsman said as he sat on a plush chair facing the sofa.

“You’re still here, Chet,” McGrath called from the hail archway. “Good. I’ve got a bone to pick with you, old buddy.”

As the congressman crossed to the bar, Mary-Ellen said, “Maybe Diane and I ought to hide out in the kitchen. We can see to supper.”

“Not me,” Diane said, “I want to be in on this.”

Kinsman grinned at her.